New NSA Executive Director Pledges Decorum and Transparency in Sports Sector
The newly appointed Executive Director of the National Sports Authority (NSA), Barrister Mohamed Alphaka Conteh, Esq. has pledged to uphold discipline and professionalism in the sports sector as mandated by His Excellency Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio.
“I am instructed to maintain decorum in the sporting sector,” Mr. Conteh stated during the official handing-over ceremony at the NSA’s New Signal Hill Road Office. “To achieve this, I need teamwork and collaboration from everyone.”
The ceremony marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Executive Director, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai, to Lawyer Conteh.
The new NSA Boss used the ceremony to express his gratitude to President Bio and his Government for entrusting him with the NSA’s mandate. He also commended his predecessor, describing Dr. Abdulai’s tenure as laying a “solid foundation upon which we will continue to build.
“Sports is more than competition. It unites people across regions, tribes, religions, and generations. It inspires hope, discipline, teamwork, and national pride. In every stadium, community field, school competition, and international tournament, we see the power of sports to transform lives and strengthen our nation,” he said.
“As I assume this office, I do so with a clear vision: to promote transparency, professionalism, inclusiveness, and excellence in the administration of sports. Together, we will work tirelessly to create opportunities for our athletes, empower our youth, improve sporting infrastructure, and elevate our nation’s presence on the regional and global stage.”
“This journey cannot be accomplished by one person alone. Success will require unity, accountability, innovation, and collective effort. My doors will remain open to constructive ideas, dialogue, and partnerships that advance the interests of sports and national development.”
“I see my appointment as a renewed commitment to excellence, integrity, and service. I therefore pledge to serve the sports sector with fairness, dedication, and unwavering passion for our beloved nation.”
Barrister Conteh called on all stakeholders to move forward together with confidence and purpose to nurture talent, inspire dreams, and build a sporting culture that every Sierra Leonean can be proud of.
In his remarks before presenting the official handing-over notes, Dr. Emmanuel Saffa Abdulai congratulated the new Executive Director and pledged his full support should any clarification be needed on his report. He acknowledged that while the sports sector faced growing challenges during his tenure, significant milestones were achieved, including:
- Drafting of key regulatory frameworks
- Improvements in staff welfare and administrative processes
- Enhanced transparency and accountability
- Recruitment and staff promotions
- Increased funding for sporting competitions
- Advancement of sports infrastructure development
Presiding over the ceremony, the Board Chairman, Mr. Ibrahim Nyelenkeh, described the occasion as historic, calling it “one brother handing over power to another brother.”
“Today’s ceremony lays a solid foundation for the continued development of sports in our country,” he stated.
Minister of Sports, Madam Augusta James-Teima, also congratulated the new NSA Executive Director and assured him of the Ministry’s full support. She described the ceremony as a special moment for sports and thanked Dr. Abdulai for his comprehensive handing-over notes.
“No position is permanent, and as leaders we must administer with patience and humility. The NSA was born out of the Ministry, so we cannot be at odds with our own agency. We are one sector, and I appeal for continued collaboration for the development of sports,” she said.
“The new Executive Director spoke eloquently, and I commend his commitment to accountability and respect.
NSA Media